On November 15, 2010, Marilyn Peckett (Superintendent, Manitoba Field Unit, Parks Canada) and John Gunter (General Manager, Frontiers North Adventures) signed the first License of Occupation in the history of Wapusk National Park (NP). This was the culmination of a process that included a request for proposals to operate a polar bear viewing operation from tundra vehicles and lodge at Cape Churchill in Wapusk National Park.

Frontiers North Adventures and Parks Canada have been working together since the company was chosen as the successful bidder in a public request for proposals to provide this visitor opportunity. An environmental assessment had to be completed and forms a key part of the License of Occupation as it provides direction on what conditions are necessary and must be met to protect the ecological health of the park during operations.

“Frontiers North is thrilled to have earned the first-ever business license in Wapusk National Park. We also appreciate the opportunity to have worked with Parks Canada on an environmental impact assessment which guides our operations in the Park and in other areas of our business,” said Mr. Gunter. Guided by the Wapusk National Park Management Plan, Parks Canada will be working to license new activities with other business operators in the future to expand the range of opportunities for Canadians to experience this spectacular park.